More masterclass achievements and Performance Platform wonders - Week 2 Day 4
2nd August 2019
This day was jam packed with action from every corner of the campus.
Our choir making their Performance Platform debut
Thursday Thitness kick started the day, with all students enjoying stretching and dancing in the sunshine to 90s cheese. Everyone was revitalised for the day ahead; the consensus was that it was going to be a great one.
Stretching in the summer sun
Our orchestral players and conductors collaborated today with the fantastic Alexandra Dariescu, giving us her simply jaw dropping rendition of Ravel’s Piano Concerto. The orchestra soaked up every second of time with the soloist, listening and adapting to her every move as a team. Each conductor was given a slot on the podium, guiding our players through, learning from their mentor Tim Redmond and being able to practise communication when working with a soloist. Almost all of our conductors had never conducted a concerto piece before, so to have this invaluable opportunity was a huge feat for them all.
Conducting workshop with our orchestra and Alexandra Dariescu
Now that our vocalists are well on their way to concert success on Saturday, today gave them the chance to push themselves further in individual singing lessons. Amanda Smallbone and Jennifer Snapes delved straight into technique with each of them, focussing primarily on ‘engaging the breath’, really being prepared for each and every note and producing a centred sound that can blend in a section. There were also auditions for solo parts in the group pieces, all of which were highly commendable, and made for some tricky decisions for course leader Adam Saunders!
The choir bringing joy to the Music School
Saxophonists began the day with some time for individual practice, to get inside their own parts and deconstruct everything they have learnt so far this week. The level of focus could be both seen and heard around all the campus, preparing them for more ensemble playing, sectional practice and solo opportunities. The latter came today for one of our fantastic players, as well as one of our esteemed violin cohort in the form of a concerto workshop with orchestra. We were beaming with proudness watching the level of professionalism shown from both and their orchestral colleagues.
Concerto workshop with soloists and orchestra
As well as their individual lessons and sight reading sessions with our piano staff, pianists had the joy of another masterclass with Alexandra Dariescu. After not only a spellbinding orchestral rehearsal of Ravel’s Piano Concerto but also a performance with piano reduction leaving the audience completely speechless, our high achieving pianists were ready to pull out all the stops to impress the phenomenon of a player. That they sure did, with performances of great drama and excitement coming from our young musicians. With Alexandra’s help, these already remarkable players took their piano skills to even greater heights.
Alexandra Dariescu, Roberto Secilla and Tim Redmond
There was no desire to stop for some of our students today, who were eager to make the most of some lunchtime games. There were relays, dressing up and even a water fight, all in the space of fifteen minutes!
Lunchtime fun and games
It was round 3 of Performance Platform tonight, and yet again our musicians impressed and gave us new perspectives on music making. There was meticulous Mendelssohn, dedicated violin playing, reflective songs and even our choir and orchestra gave performances. We wanted the music to continue through the night but we soon had to take everyone back to the boarding houses to get a good night’s sleep!
Our orchestra performing Bizet's 'Carmen'
Tomorrow is our final full day of rehearsals before Saturday’s London concert – come back to see our students make the most of every second!
See more photos from this summer on our Facebook page.
Musicians of the day:
- Orchestra: Lorenza, for playing well in the concerto masterclass but also grabbing the reigns, leading the second violins with maturity
- Vocal: Ines, for always singing with confidence and commitment, supporting her section and having an amazing audition where she performed ‘I Shall Be Released’ beautifully
- Saxophone: Anna, for great work with the orchestra on her concerto and for setting such a good example all course in good rehearsal technique/manner
- Piano: Karam, for finding his inner pulse, improving his subdividing, opening up in his lesson and being able to do so because he had prepared and practised
- Conductor: Sarah, for contributing well in class and for good focus and concentration
Our Programmes
More information on our seven programmes: Chamber Music, Composition, Conducting, Orchestral, Piano, Saxophone and Vocal.
Programmes range from 1 week to 4 weeks long. Students can attend one immersive programme, or broaden their experience by combining programmes to suit their interests.
Any Questions?
We love speaking to young musicians, teachers and families from around the world - so don't hesitate to get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!
Email: info@ingeniumacademy.com
Phone: +44 (0)20 7060 4076
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